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wedding as an event: 

Pakistan has a rich culture, its constituent celebrations take a deep root in its long history. Since Pakistan was part of the previously known subcontinent it inherited many traditions and festivals of an Indian Muslim analogy, especially its marriage ceremonies which have been greatly influenced in this respect. As we peek into the tradition, we are basically given a blend of events summarised into these three; the pre-Wedding (Known as the Mehndi), the Wedding (known as the Barat) and finally the post-wedding day event (or the Walima).

highly indorsed, with drapes, chair covers and a variety of assorted flowers( Sun-Flowers are not commonly seen) decorating the scene. The Mehndi becomes lively in the later parts where there is also dancing or singing competitions between the two sides, in which both the young women and young men are most welcome to join and dazzle the crowd with their skill.

The Barat or Wedding day is next, in which the bride and bride groom, are bonded in the eternal and pious relationship of husband and wife. The bride-groom travels from his locale to the residence of the bride, he is most commonly cruising in an iThe Mehndi is the first of the three events, which occurs one or two days before the real marriage ceremony (The Barat). This event is also known as Rasm-e-henna, in this evening event, the bride and groom usually sitting together, get henna placed in betel leaves that are set on their palms by the multitude of guests attending the occasion. The Bride is usually wearing a yellow dress, with little or almost no make-up, the bride-groom and the guests attend in traditional Shalwar Qameez(the national dress of Pakistan). Both the parties also weaThe Barat is actually the name given to the migrating bride-grooms family which comes to the bride`s house, the Barat is often accompanied by dhols (traditional drums)  .Moments after both the bride and the bride-groom are seated the `Nikkah` ceremony begins, which in accordance to the Shari’ at ( Islamic Law), is the pact and proclamation, that hence forth this man and this women are husband and wife, this is done by an imam of the `Masjid` closest to the bride`s house . The bride traditionally wears a red, pink or purple Shalwar Qameez or Gharara which is heavily braided and embroidered, she also wears large weighty jewellery as an accessory which is commonly of gold. The groom wears a Sherwani with a red turban mostly but turbans are begging to become unpopular. The male guests wear suits to the occasion, with the female guests in accordance to the bride wearing Shalwar Qameez. After the Nikkah dinner is served there comes the closing point of the marriage at the time of the `Rukhsati`,  The Qur'an is normally held over the bride's head as she walks from the stage to the exit (or if the ceremony is being held at home, to the main entrance of the house) in order to bless and protect her.r a emblematic dupatta, which ensures the identity of the guests to be one of both the sides. Most commonly the entire marriage hall or tent is decorated with rose berry and symbolically yellow, bright red and orange colours are mmensely decorated car (covered with red roses) or a horse cart, followed by  his close relatives in their own respective cars. On reaching the marriage hall or tent the bride-groom`s family is warmly welcomed by the bride`s family with a shower of rose petals. 

This is a sombre occasion for the bride's parents as it marks the departure of their daughter from their home. The departure of the bride becomes a very emotional scene as she says farewell to the home of her parents and siblings to start a new married life.

The Walima is the final day of the wedding held by the couple as they host their first dinner as husband and wife. This is traditionally organised by the bridegroom and his family to return the kindness of the bride`s side for letting the groom claim their daughter as his wife. The groom's family, specifically his parents, invite all of the bride's family and their guests to their home for a feast. More commonly nowadays, this is held in a marriage hall or hotel instead. The common decoration pattern is based around either purple or white both of which are highly favoured in the society, as they represent a peaceful and calm insurance of a prospering relationship ahead. With carpeted flooring, white spotlights, blue curtains and red roses and white tulips surrounding the stage, the event is mystifying as it provides an air of relief for both the bride and the bride-groom. The bride wears a white dress heavily embroidered which is given to the bride by the groom`s family. The groom wears a tuxedo or a suit, as over the years there has been a little adaptation of western culture in Pakistan.

Finally the end of the Walima draws the marriage to an end, the bride returns with the bridegroom to her new home. While all attending guests return to theirs, Pakistan`s culture is deep and often misjudged but truly Pakistani marriages are a spectacle to marvel at!